March means spring!
Spring means outside!
Outside means FESTIVALS!
It’s time to get outside and breathe some fresh (not frozen) air.
Fill your calendar with these awesome outdoor activities:
March 6, 2015
Squirrels First Friday Fan Fest & Ticketpalooza
5:30PM-8:00PM
The Diamond
In homage to the Squirrels 2015 Free Shirt Fridays, the first 100 fans who purchase tickets during the First Friday Fan Fest & Ticketpalooza on March 6th will receive a free T-shirt. Happy hour drink specials will be available from 5:30PM-7:30PM just as they will be all season long during Free Shirt Friday games. Fans can also enjoy live music, concession items and a sneak peak at the new upgrades taking place at The Diamond. FREE to attend.
March 14, 2015
Shamrock the Block
11:00 am- 5pm
1301 North Boulevard, Richmond , VA 23230
Shamrock The Block is free to attend, with great food, live music all day and plenty o’ green beverages for you to enjoy safely, so bring a designated driver. Special kids area with face-painting, bounces, games and more. Come early though, as some lines can get long. FREE.
St. Paddy’s Day Palooza ***THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY MARCH 15***
11:00am-5:00pm
Innsbrook Pavilion 4901 Lake Brook Dr.
Last year over 10,000 people attended the family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day Palooza a benefit for St. Baldrick’s Innsbrook is gearing up to help you shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy everything Irish! Families can enjoy live music, Irish dancing, bands, food, inflatable: slide, moon bounce, and obstacle course, ice cream, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a hot air balloon. Free to attend.
Shockoe Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
17th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Live music, Irish dancing, beer, Irish coffee and food. More information to come.
March 15, 2015
St. Paddy’s Day Palooza
11:00am-5:00pm
Innsbrook Pavilion 4901 Lake Brook Dr.
Last year over 10,000 people attended the family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day Palooza a benefit for St. Baldrick’s Innsbrook is gearing up to help you shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy everything Irish! Families can enjoy live music, Irish dancing, bands, food, inflatable: slide, moon bounce, and obstacle course, ice cream, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a hot air balloon. Free to attend.
March 21 & 22, 2015
Church Hill Irish Festival
March 21 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
March 22 the HillTopper 5K race will begin at 8:00 am. The festival closes at 6:00 pm
In addition to great entertainment, there will be plenty of family fun, including children’s games, a large children’s play area, face painting and Irish-themed crafts. Over thirty Irish vendors will be in attendance. Food and refreshments will also be available. Enjoy wonderful “Irish Lasagna” prepared by the Ladies of St. Patrick’s, “Fish and Chips” and other favorites provided by Rare Olde Times Irish Pub, and many more.
A $5.00 donation will be collected at the gate, proceeds benefit neighborhood causes as well as St. Baldrick’s Society and the historic preservation of St. Patrick’s Church.
March 27-29, 2015
Virginia Horse Festival
March 27: 1-9 p.m.
March 28: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
March 29: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A three day festival perfect for horse owners, riders and enthusiasts. Food vendors, storytelling, horse shows and more. Find out more about this family friendly event here.
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All Fired Up is getting ready to welcome spring with some beautiful art projects for adults and kids. Learn a new skill, come in for a little bonding time with your favorite buddy or drop in and paint whatever you’d like. Don’t forget, Richmondmom readers get 10% off walk in projects anytime!
Camp Sign-Up Open Now, early bird special until MARCH 31st, 10% off price of entire session, learn all about the amazing summer camps at All Fired Up and register online or in the store.
Technique Workshop: Paris Canvas
Thursday, March 5, 6-8 pm
Come out to our workshop to paint a beautiful ceramic canvas with a Paris theme. Reservations are required, only $35. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Kid’s Fun Night
Friday, March 6, 6-8 pm
Drop off the kids with us as we create a clay St. Patrick’s Hat Mug, Splatter 4-Leaf Clover Plate, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call and sign up today. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Mug Monday
Monday, March 9, all day
Get 20% off all mugs all day long. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Technique Workshop: Starry Night Tray
Thursday March 12, 6-8 pm
Come paint a Van Gogh inspired ceramic tray for only $35, reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Preschool Pottery: St. Patrick’s Rainbow
Friday, March 13, 10:30-11:30 am
WHAT: Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared creative experience, as we make a fingerprint rainbow and pot of gold on a small coupe plate inspired by St. Patrick’s Rainbow for only $15. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Pi Day Special
Saturday, March 14th, all day
WHAT: When you mention Pi Day, you can receive $3.14 off of a purchase of $15 or more. Does not apply to private parties or gift certificates. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
St. Patrick’s Day Special
Tuesday, March 17th, all day
Wear green, save gold. 10% off all day when you wear green. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Technique Workshop: Pop Art Vase
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm
Create a Piet Mondrian inspired primary color rectangle vase for only $35, reservations required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Make-an-Alien Kids Class
Friday, March 20, 6-7:30 pm
Drop off the kids for an out-of-this-world kids class where we will be making our own unique wet clay aliens. The price is just $25 and reservations are required. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Glass Jewelry Special
Monday, March 23, all day
Buy 3 Dichro glass necklace kits, get the 4th FREE. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Ladies Night Out
Thursday, March 26, 6-9 pm
Come join us for ladies night. We close down the studio to the public to give you a relaxing night off. Plus you will receive %10 off and snacks are provided. Reservations are recommended, so please call ahead to sign up your group. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
Princess Party Kids Class
Friday, March 27, 6-7:30 pm
Drop off the kids with us for a fairytale inspired evening. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids paint a high heel slipper or princess bank. Call to sign up for this class. A snack is included all for the price of $30. All Fired Up, both Midlothian and Short Pump locations
All Fired Up is a Sponsor of Richmondmom
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photo credit: Kelly Teague
Recently, I have been reflecting on renewal and self-care and have particularly appreciated several TED Talks that inspire me. TED Talks are presentations from passionate, brilliant and innovative individuals in a variety of fields. You can read more about this non-profit organization and their mission to spread ideas by exhibiting powerful, engaging presentations. Each presentation is 18 minutes or less, and well worth the investment. Here is a compilation of my top 10 favorite TED Talks to foster renewal and self-care. Some are humorous, some are gripping, and others are truly fascinating.
10. Benjamin Zander: The transformative power of classical music
Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, makes it seem as if he is in your home having an insightful and entertaining conversation with you about a vision for classical music for all. Whether you currently appreciate classical music – or not – this is a must see.
9. Neil Pasricha: The 3 A’s of awesome
Neil Pasricha, author, discusses how his blog grew to become an international sensation – and his growth as a person in the process of finding awesomeness in every day life.
8. Pico Iyer: The art of stillness
World renowned travel writer, Pico Iyer moves beyond his standard travel writing by proposing that one can release ourselves from distractions and focus on travel as it relates to stillness and mindfulness.
7. Andy Puddicombe: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes
Former Buddhist Monk, Andy Puddicombe shares how being mindful for just 10 minutes per day can help your outlook.
6. Emily Balcetis: Why some people find exercise harder than others
Emily Balcetis shares information about different people’s vision of themselves, and how changing your mindset can help change your success of exercising.
5. Arianna Huffington: How to succeed? Get more sleep
Journalist Arianna Huffington shares her story on the power of sleep and sleep’s association with success.
4. David Griffin: How photography connects us
David Griffin, photo director for National Geographic, showcases the power of visual storytelling.
3. Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are
Social Psychologist, Amy Cuddy shares critical information on “power posing” and how this can encourage success, even if you aren’t feeling successful.
2. Mark Bezos: A life lesson from a volunteer firefighter
Mark Bezos shares his experience making a difference in someone’s life in an unlikely way.
1. Phil Hansen: Embrace the shake
Phil Hansen learned a new way to create when he let go of his physical limitations. Seeking a renewed way of seeing and representing art, he visually documents working through the creative process and redefining barriers.
There are many ways to get TED Talks. Click here if you would like to browse the TED archives for other topics. It is also easy to follow TED Talks via apps and social media. My favorite way to view TED Talks is via the free app for iPhone, where I can bookmark or download my favorites. The app is interactive, so I can even specify how much time I can commit at the moment and request a certain topic to watch.
TED Talks videos, logos and visuals highlighted here are untouched and unedited. All video and images of TED Talks are copyrighted by TED and are used here under the Creative Commons license.
Did any of these TED talks encourage you to focus on yourself, wellness or renewal? Which ones resonated with you?
photo credit: Tom Hart
Fun fact I learned today: according to the United States Department of Agriculture, Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest day of the year for food consumption in the U.S. after Thanksgiving.
That’s a lot of food.
It also makes Super Bowl Sunday one of my new favorite days of the year.
If you’re not in the mood to cook or could use a little help in the kitchen, the food-loving folks at MARTIN’S are totally prepared if you’re eating watching the game with friends year with a great selection of Great Entertaining party trays, including sandwiches, wings, fried chicken, desserts and more available to order.
Just in time for the big game, the new Instant Party Tray is available for order and comes complete with MARTIN’S brand Virginia ham, roast beef, perfectly roasted turkey, hard salami, domestic Swiss and American cheese, 24 MARTIN’S brand Kaiser rolls, pickle chips and sliced tomatoes. Visit MARTIN’S Great Entertaining website to start your order or order in-store at the deli, bakery, seafood or meat departments.
All MARTIN’S stores are also stocked with ready-made favorites at the wing bar or olive, hummus and salsa bar. Don’t forget to check out the produce section for pre-cut veggies and fruit as well as prepared guacamole and fresh salsa.
If you’re in the mood to whip up something delicious (and easy to make), try these Turkey Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes
Turkey Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon GIANT/MARTIN’S olive oil
- ½ lb. ground turkey breast
- 1 Tablespoon reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- ½ cup GIANT/MARTIN’S shredded cheddar cheese
- Toppings (optional): sour cream, sliced green onions
Steps
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet; prick several times with a fork. Bake 1 hour or until fork-tender. Remove from oven.
- Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey; cook until no longer pink (165°F), stirring to break up turkey. Stir in seasoning mix and tomatoes; simmer 5 minutes or until heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat; keep covered.
- Cut potatoes open lengthwise; squeeze gently to open. Fluff potato pulp with a fork. Spoon turkey mixture evenly over potatoes, top with cheese and desired toppings, and serve.
For more game day recipe ideas, visit the MARTIN’s Recipe Center.
Check out last year’s Game Day Party Food Ideas
Photo: MARTINSFoods.com
MARTIN’S is a sponsor of Richmondmom
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